(Video uploaded 07/2022)

Transcript

Narrator: Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace – Introduction

Narrator: An experienced pregnant member of staff is submitting a resignation letter to her manager. She can no longer work full-time because she wants to continue breastfeeding her baby after giving birth.

The manager is confused. She then searches for "breastfeeding" and "workplace" on her computer.

A human resources consultant shows up and the manager chats with her…

Manager: I know nowadays more mums opt to breastfeed their children longer. But why should corporates and employers support breastfeeding?

Consultant: Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to babies' digestion and brain development, but also lowers the risks of many illnesses.

Consultant: Despite these advantages, mothers often feel it is challenging to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

Narrator: An upset member of staff is trying to find a place for milk expression.

Consultant: In fact, the implementation of Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace measures is good for both your breastfeeding staff and your company.

Consultant: It will help the company to build a good reputation and shows that it cares about the well-being of its staff.

Consultant: Moreover, children who are breastfed are healthier and require less visits to the doctor. Therefore, parents take less leave to care for children who are unwell.

Consultant: Experienced staff are valuable and keeping them happy means that your company will spend far less time and effort in training new recruits and hiring temporary staff.

Consultant: As a result, productivity, staff morale and loyalty are all increased when your breastfeeding staff feel supported and valued. This situation is win-win for both the company and the staff.

Manager: Then practically, what should I do to create a "Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace" ?

Consultant: Here are some basics for creating a more supportive environment for breastfeeding staff.

Consultant: Give TIME. Allow lactation breaks for them to express breastmilk.

Consultant: Give SPACE. Privacy counts. Make sure you offer a private space for expression and a refrigerator for storing breastmilk.

Consultant: Last but not least, don't forget to develop a written policy to enhance communications between the management and the staff. It is important to encourage co-workers to accept and support breastfeeding colleagues.

Narrator: The manager nods and gets an idea for Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace practices.

Consultant: All women in Hong Kong are now protected from breastfeeding discrimination and harassment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance in various sectors. Let's build good practices in the workplace!

Narrator: If you want to become a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, please contact The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF on the "SayYesToBreastfeeding" campaign at 2836 2913.

Narrator: For more information about a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, please watch the related video series.

Narrator: You may also visit the website for the Family Health Service of the Department of Health at www.fhs.gov.hk and refer to the corresponding pamphlets.

This video is produced by the Family Health Service of the Department of Health.